Save Article

Health Care’s New ‘Skinny Plans’: Winners and Losers

Trump’s ‘skinny plans’ offer a cheaper alternative to the Affordable Care Act, but may have far less coverage.

Last year, President Donald Trump signed an executive order that promised to cut back some of the rules in the Affordable Care Act. The new "skinny plans," expected out this year, are poised to benefit some and hurt others. WSJ's Spencer Macnaughton explains. Photo: Formplay Studio

New, more-limited health plans may draw consumers away from Affordable Care Act coverage and drive up prices on insurance sold in the health law’s marketplaces.

These “skinny” plans offer lower premiums, making them an attractive alternative for young, healthy buyers.

But the plans can be loaded with restrictions. Often, people who aren’t healthy are blocked from buying them. Many don’t cover prescription drugs or pre-existing conditions, and some cap coverage, doing away with ACA requirements and potentially leaving buyers with big bills if they get sick.

This video looks at where these new plans come from and who stands to win and lose.

For a look at another type of bare-bones plan that is already getting more popular, go here.